Which of the following is a primary goal of stormwater management?

Preventing soil erosion is considered a primary goal of stormwater management because effective stormwater practices aim to control runoff and mitigate the impact of rainwater on both land and water bodies. When stormwater flows unchecked, it can cause significant erosion, leading to loss of soil and sediment transport into rivers and streams, which degrades water quality and aquatic habitats.

In stormwater management, various techniques such as vegetative buffers, silt fences, and retention basins are implemented to manage the flow of water and reduce the velocity at which it moves overland, effectively reducing the potential for erosion. This contributes to maintaining the integrity of landscapes and protecting water resources.

While maximizing land development density, enhancing air quality, and reducing water temperature are important considerations in overall environmental and urban planning, they do not directly address the immediate concerns surrounding stormwater management as clearly as preventing soil erosion does. Therefore, the focus on controlling erosion is vital for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring that developed areas can manage stormwater effectively.